Majority of Australians support action on child poverty
Most Australians want the federal government to define and measure poverty levels, and increase income support to prevent child poverty, according to research by the Australia Institute.
Most also believe income support should ensure no child lives in poverty.
Currently, almost 800,000 Australian children live in poverty, making Australia’s youth poverty rate the 13th-highest among OECD countries.
Read the report here.
Parents for climate advocates for children’s climate rights
Parents for Climate expressed disappointment with the Senate report on the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2023, which recommended against its passage despite supportive dissenting reports from Senators David Pocock and Sarah Hanson-Young. CEO Nic Seton emphasised the need for government to protect children’s health and future from climate impacts, arguing that current decisions do not reflect this duty of care. The organisation, supported by more than 860 parents nationwide, continues to advocate for legislative action to ensure a safe climate for future generations.
Read more.
Help for integrating research into classroom practice
Monash University’s Q Project has transformed how educators integrate research evidence into classrooms, addressing gaps in research-informed practices in Australian education. Over its five-year span, the project engaged with more than 2100 teachers, 1700 schools, and 200 system leaders, spanning government, Catholic, and independent sectors.
Led by associate professor Mark Rickinson, the Q Project developed practical tools, hosted events, and provided professional learning programs that reached 83,000 educators. It cultivated a robust community focused on enhancing research use to improve educational outcomes globally.
Supported by a $6 million partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Q Project concluded in June, transitioning into the Monash Q Lab from July 2024.
Read more.
Children given voice over their water future
Seven children aged 10-11 from inner-city Melbourne worked with Dr Bronwyn Cumbo and filmmaker Dr Rowena Potts from Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab on the Our Water Futures project.
Over six weeks, using participatory film methods, the children explored daily water experiences, discussing water security and climate change.
This approach empowered children to offer unique insights into water practices and perspectives, challenging assumptions and highlighting the need for their inclusion in future water planning efforts.
Connecting to country helps teachers reach students
Taking teachers onto Country significantly improves schooling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by building connections and confidence, according to research from UNSW Sydney.
The Culturally Nourishing Schooling (CNS) project helps teachers engage more authentically with Indigenous students and embed Aboriginal perspectives in their teaching.
Teachers report increased student engagement, attendance, and a renewed sense of cultural pride and belonging.
Currently working with eight schools in NSW, the project may expand if additional funding is secured.
Video: Learning from Country
Video: Matraville Sports High School Learning from Country
Have your say on primary maths
The Grattan Institute is conducting a nationwide survey to gather insights from primary school teachers on how maths is taught in Australia. The findings will contribute to an upcoming Grattan report on maths education. Primary school teachers and principals are encouraged to participate, and others are asked to share the survey link with teachers they know. The survey takes about 10 minutes and is anonymous. The feedback will help shape recommendations for better education policy.
Find the survey here.
Australian teachers need more support, study reveals
A new report shows that Australian teachers need more support to enhance their wellbeing. Surveying nearly 1000 teachers, the Monash University research found that feeling safe, supported, valued, and maintaining a work/life balance are crucial.
Led by Duyen Vo, the research highlights the need for a supportive and trusting environment. These findings can guide schools and policymakers in creating targeted interventions to improve teacher wellbeing.
Principal Tristan Lanarus emphasised the importance of understanding teacher wellbeing, especially post-COVID-19. Associate professor Kelly-Ann Allen noted that focusing on teacher wellbeing benefits both educators and students.
Read more.
In brief
From 2025, aspiring teachers in the Riverina will be able to study from their hometown for an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) degree with UNSW Sydney.
Rabo Community Fund has partnered with the ‘edu-tainment’ brand ‘George the Farmer’ again to help children learn about where their food and fibre comes from during this year’s National Book Week – 17 to 23 August. Applications for the book sets close on Sunday (21 July) and can be made here.
Last week, nearly 70 young people became parliamentarians in the 2024 Y NSW Youth Parliament Sitting Week. The high school students debated Youth Bills on topics such as Aboriginal Affairs, Education, Housing, and Women’s Affairs.